Magicians pip Blaze

The Canterbury Magicians have beaten the Wellington Blaze by two runs via the Duckworth-Lewis system in their Twenty20 match at Linden Park, Wellington.

The match was reduced to 15 overs per side early on, with the Blaze going on to make 94 for four. However rain once again interrupted proceedings after just six overs. Having lost no wickets the Magicians needed to be 32 without loss or above.

At 34 without loss they were two runs ahead of the target – it would be good enough to get them the points, as the rain continued to pour.

Openers Frances Mackay (20) and Janet Brehaut (11) were going along nicely for the champs until the heavens opened.

Earlier Leigh Kasperek had played a sensible innings to give the Blaze a competitive total.

Having lost star batsman Sophie Devine for just two, the home side needed someone else to stand tall. Kasperek responded with an unbeaten 34 from 32 balls.